As darkness fell over the vast expanse of the Philippine Sea, a RAAF P-8A Poseidon descended from the sky, its crew focused on a mission critical to Exercise Keen Sword.
On board, electronic warfare operator Corporal Bryce Gregory readied his equipment, preparing to deploy sonobuoys for an anti-submarine warfare exercise.
Tasked with locating a partner nation's submarine, Corporal Gregory and his team were part of the bilateral exercise conducted by Japan and the US with participation from Australia and Canada.
The exercise is designed to enhance interoperability during air defence, logistics, maritime operations and crisis response exercises.
For Corporal Gregory, who joined RAAF in August 2022, this exercise represented a dramatic career shift.
"I used to lay floors for a living and was looking for a career change and thought joining the Air Force would be something meaningful," he said.
"Now, every day, I pinch myself to confirm that this amazing role isn't just a dream."
With the Poseidon skimming the waves at 500 feet, the crew deployed sonobuoys, using the aircraft's acoustic systems to track their underwater target.
"Anti-submarine warfare is 11 Squadron's number one priority," Corporal Gregory said.
This year was the first time RAAF's P-8A Poseidon aircraft had been invited to participate in Keen Sword, which included more than 12,000 US and 33,000 Japanese troops, 40 vessels, and 370 aircraft.
Australia's contingent also included civil-military cooperation personnel and amphibious landing observers.
Corporal Gregory's first operational deployment was to the Philippines on Operation Surpat. Exercise Keen Sword then brought him to Japan, where working with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) was a highlight.
"The Japanese have been very welcoming, and it's been great to learn from each other. There are language barriers, but we work through them with plenty of planning and clear communication," he said.
On his flight, two JMSDF members observed the P-8A's anti-submarine operations, gaining insight into RAAF techniques.
"It was more than just observation for them, and helped us all to learn about how our methods align," Corporal Gregory said.
"I'm really happy where I am."
